Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today signed Emergency Executive Order 10-05 to provide for air fire suppression assistance to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. On Saturday, April 17, a wildfire began burning timber resources in north central Minnesota. The conditions present an immediate need to activate emergency resources and the aircraft and resources of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are committed to other wildfires state wide. The Governor’s Emergency Executive Order calls for air fire suppression assistance from the Minnesota National Guard.

The following is the text of the Governor’s emergency executive order:

EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 10-05

PROVIDING FOR FIRE SUPPRESSION ASSISTANCE TO THE MINNESOTA
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

I, TIM PAWLENTY, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and applicable laws, do hereby issue this executive order:

WHEREAS, on Saturday, April 17, 2010, a wildfire began burning timber resources in north central Minnesota; and

WHEREAS, the conditions present an immediate need to activate emergency resources and the aircraft and resources of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are committed to other wildfires state wide; and

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has requested one HEMTT Fueler and two UH60 Aircraft and crews to conduct firefighting operations from the Minnesota National Guard.

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby order that:

1. The Adjutant General of Minnesota will order to state active duty on or about April 17, 2010, in the service of the State, such personnel and equipment of the military forces of the State as required to provide assistance in preparing for the emergency and in providing emergency relief services.

2. The Adjutant General is authorized to purchase, lease or contract goods or services necessary to accomplish the mission. The cost of subsistence, transportation, fuel, pay and allowances of said individuals shall by defrayed from the general fund of the State, as provided for in Minnesota Statutes 2009`, Sections 192.49, 192.52 and 192.54.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2009, Section 4.035, Subdivision 2, this Order is effective retroactively to April 17, 2010, and shall remain in effect until such date as elements of the military forces of the State are no longer required.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand this 19th day of April, 2010.